September 9, 2002 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6097 time. I thank the House for considering nationally for more than a year beginning in pop ballad singer and jazz pianist, Nat this resolution today, and I extend my 1956 and was the first television show to be was also the first African American very best thoughts, prayers and grati- hosted by an African-American artist. man to have his own radio show, which tude to the Ganci family for all they (7) Nat King Cole graced southern Cali- began in 1946. Ten years later he was fornia with his music during the formative have gone through. years of his music career and formed the suc- the first African American to host his Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. cessful ‘‘King Cole Trio’’ in Los Angeles, own television show, and it was enor- Speaker, I yield myself such time as I California. mously popular as well. may consume. (8) Nat King Cole’s recording of ‘‘Route 66’’ Although his life was sadly cut short I thank my colleague for introducing serenaded generations of eager California in 1965, his legacy has lived on in part this legislation to honor the chief of immigrants. because of the great success of his the New York City Fire Department. (9) Nat King Cole’s recorded rendition of daughter, Natalie, who has revived As the wife of a professional firefighter ‘‘The Christmas Song’’ symbolizes the family much of Nat King Cole’s music by sing- warmth of the yuletide season. for almost 30 years, I know the bravery (10) Nat King Cole’s disarming delivery ing many of his songs in recent years. that these firefighters have, and I have teaches people the meaning of ‘‘Unforget- Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues had people tell me why they let chiefs table’’. to honor Nat King Cole by supporting send men in there to their deaths, and (11) Although Nat King Cole died from lung this resolution. I have told them quite clearly, if he cancer on February 15, 1965, the music and Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of would not have sent them in, I know embracing baritone voice of Nat King Cole my time. the firefighters would have gone in, are lasting legacies that continue to be en- Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I anyway. That is just the type of brav- joyed by people worldwide. yield myself such time as I might con- (12) Nat King Cole exemplifies the Amer- sume. ery they do have, and again, I thank ican dream by having overcome societal and my colleagues, and I urge adoption of other barriers to become one of the great H.R. 4797, to redesignate the facility this resolution. American entertainers. of the United States Postal Service lo- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance (13) Members of the community sur- cated at 265 South Western Avenue, of my time. rounding the Oakwood Station Post Office in Los Angeles, California, as the Nat The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Los Angeles, California, have advocated for King Cole Post Office, was introduced question is on the motion offered by the renaming of the post office in honor of by the gentleman from California (Mr. the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Nat King Cole, a former resident of the area. BECERRA), on May 22, 2002. JO ANN DAVIS) that the House suspend SEC. 2. REDESIGNATION AND REFERENCES. Nat King Cole was born Nathaniel the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5336. (a) REDESIGNATION.—The facility of the Adams Coles in 1919 in Montgomery, The question was taken; and (two- United States Postal Service located at 265 South Western Avenue, Los Angeles, Cali- Alabama. He moved to the great jazz thirds having voted in favor thereof) fornia, and known as the Oakwood Station city of Chicago when he was four be- the rules were suspended and the bill Post Office, shall be known and designated cause his father, a Baptist minister, was passed. as the ‘‘Nat King Cole Post Office’’. had accepted pastorship of the True A motion to reconsider was laid on (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, Light Baptist Church. the table. map, regulation, document, paper, or other In Chicago, Nat King Cole’s mother, record of the United States to the facility re- f Perlina, directed the choir at her hus- ferred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to band’s church and introduced all the NAT KING COLE POST OFFICE be a reference to the ‘‘Nat King Cole Post Of- fice’’. Coles children, Edward, Nathaniel, Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Eddie Mae, Evelyne, Issac and Lionel, Speaker, I move to suspend the rules The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- to music early on. All four of the Coles and pass the bill (H.R. 4797) to redesig- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from sons went on to become professional nate the facility of the United States Virginia (Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS) and the musicians. Postal Service located at 265 South gentleman from Illinois (Mr. DAVIS) Nat’s singing career began early. He Western Avenue, Los Angeles, Cali- each will control 20 minutes. was just four when he performed, ‘‘Yes, fornia, as the ‘‘Nat King Cole Post Of- The Chair recognizes the gentle- We Have No Bananas.’’ He went on to fice.’’ woman from Virginia (Mrs. JO ANN take piano lessons and play the organ The Clerk read as follows: DAVIS). in his father’s church. While attending H.R. 4797 GENERAL LEAVE Wendell Phillips High School in Chi- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. cago which, of course, is in my congres- resentatives of the United States of America in Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that sional district, Nat and his brothers be- Congress assembled, all Members may have 5 legislative came true believers of jazz music and SECTION 1. FINDINGS. days within which to revise and extend constant fixtures on Chicago’s South Congress finds the following: their remarks on the bill under consid- Side, the center of jazz. (1) Nat King Cole was born Nathaniel eration. Adams Coles in Montgomery, Alabama, dur- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there b 1445 ing the difficult period of segregation in the objection to the request of the gentle- Growing up, he was most influenced United States, and was raised in the ghettos by pianist Earl ‘‘Fatha’’ Hines. After of the south side of Chicago, Illinois, where woman from Virginia? he endured the harshness of poverty. There was no objection. organizing and playing in a series of (2) Nat King Cole was often confronted Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. music groups, Nat ‘‘King’’ Cole moved with racism during his career, including Speaker, I yield myself such time as I to Los Angeles, where he formed the being attacked by members of a white su- may consume. group which later became the King premacist group while he was on stage in H.R. 4797, introduced by the gen- Cole Trio. He recorded his First Na- Birmingham, Alabama, in 1956. tleman from the State of California tional hit, Straighten Up and Fly (3) Nat King Cole allowed neither poverty (Mr. BECERRA), designates the post of- Right, and went on to record such fa- nor racism to prevent him from sharing his fice located at 265 South Western Ave- vorites as The Christmas Song, Mona music with people worldwide and from leav- ing a lasting impression on American cul- nue, Los Angeles, California, as the Lisa, Route 66, Chestnuts Roasting on ture. Nat King Cole Post Office. Members of an Open Fire, Rambling Rose, and (4) Nat King Cole established himself as the entire delegation from the State of many more. the best selling African-American recording California are cosponsors of the bill. Not only a talented singer, he was artist of his generation. Nat King Cole was truly one of the also the first black jazz musician to (5) Nat King Cole and his family became most unforgettable entertainers in our have his own weekly radio show in 1948 the first African-American family to inte- Nation’s history. Born in Montgomery, and 1949 and network television show grate the community of Hancock Park in Alabama, in 1919, Nat King Cole was a in 1956 and 1957. He was also an actor in Los Angeles when, despite threats and pro- tests from local residents, they purchased musical pioneer that helped to pave the St. Louis Blues, 1958, and Cat Ballou in their English Tudor mansion in 1948. way for countless black musicians to 1964. (6) ‘‘The Nat King Cole Show’’, primarily achieve success in the United States. Although a great man with a fan- broadcast from Burbank, California, aired Most widely known for his music as a tastic voice, Nat ‘‘King’’ Cole was not

VerDate Sep 04 2002 04:29 Sep 10, 2002 Jkt 099061 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K09SE7.021 H09PT1 H6098 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 9, 2002 immune to discrimination. His tele- fice, a building owned and operated by he would stand at the alley and listen vision show was canceled because he the people of this government and of right next to the stage door. could not find a national sponsor. this Nation. During his teenage years, Nat ‘‘King’’ Being black was seen by many as the I cannot, however, nor can my col- Cole was involved with several musical reason for the lack of advertising. leagues, be the only ones to take credit groups. He loved to perform and to When he moved to an exclusive section for this opportunity to fete Nat ‘‘King’’ share his music with others. In 1937, of Los Angeles in 1949, neighbors Cole. The fact that we are designating Nat and Eddie joined a revival of the formed an association to keep him this post office after a legend is truly review ‘‘Shuffle Along.’’ The show took from moving in. In 1956, while playing due to the people who live in and the road after 6 weeks in Chicago. to a segregated audience in Bir- around the area of 265 South Western When the show suddenly folded, Nat mingham, Alabama, he was attacked Avenue, because it is the folks who live found himself in Southern California, by a group of white men. After com- in the community that surround this and that is where he decided to stay. pleting his performance, Nat ‘‘King’’ area who chose Nat ‘‘King’’ Cole as the This was the beginning of his life in the Cole vowed never to return to the person to pay tribute to and to name Los Angeles area, and we are all fortu- South, and he never did. this post office after. I want to thank nate for his impression on Southern In 1965, after battling an advanced all of them for having stepped forward California. case of lung cancer, Nat ‘‘King’’ Cole and in a very democratic process and In the late 1930s, Nat ‘‘King’’ Cole died on February 15 at Saint John’s deciding that it was best and most fit- was asked to form a small group to Hospital in Santa Monica, California. ting to name this post office after a play at a Los Angeles nightclub. It was Mr. Speaker, I would urge swift pas- former resident of the area, and cer- the owner of this nightclub, Mr. Bob sage of this bill and commend my col- tainly a man that we will all remem- Lewis, who gave Nat his new renowned league from California for seeking to ber. nickname of ‘‘King’’ Cole, and he asked honor the legacy of the late Nat As my colleague, the gentleman from Nat to wear a crown of gold on stage. ‘‘King’’ Cole in this manner. Illinois (Mr. DAVIS), had said, Nat In fact, the group became known as the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of ‘‘King’’ Cole remains an icon as one of King Cole Trio, and it was led by Nat. my time. America’s most beloved entertainers, While the gold-colored paper crown did Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. even 37 years after his untimely death not last, the name and its significance Speaker, I reserve the balance of my in 1965. His story is one of determina- endures to this day. time. tion, courage and resilience. We recog- Many legends of entertainment got Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I nize him today as one of the pioneers their break in Los Angeles and in yield such time as he may consume to who left his mark in an industry that Southern California, and that area the gentleman from Los Angeles, Cali- is now part of the fabric of Los Ange- proved to be fertile ground for Nat fornia (Mr. BECERRA). les. But his impression on our city and ‘‘King’’ Cole as well. The King Cole Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I thank this Nation goes far beyond that. Trio developed a huge following. They the gentleman from Illinois, someone Nat ‘‘King’’ Cole was born Nathaniel found almost constant work in the Los who represents the area where Mr. Cole Adams Coles in Montgomery, Alabama, Angeles area. And by the way, prior to lived for a time, for yielding me this in 1919 during that very regrettable pe- booking the King Cole Trio, many of time. I also would like to thank the riod of segregation in this country. At these nightclubs had never hired Afri- chairman of the committee, the gen- the age of 4, Nat’s father moved the can American entertainers before. This tleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON) and Coles family, and it is Coles with an trio went on to make some of their own the ranking member, the gentleman ‘‘s,’’ to Chicago, where his father ac- recordings on what was known as the from California (Mr. WAXMAN), and the cepted the pastorship of the True Light ‘‘race record’’ market, which is what gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. JO Baptist Church. Nat spent his child- made it possible for Nat ‘‘King’’ Cole to ANN DAVIS) as well for this opportunity hood in the ghettos of the South Side do the recordings. Because, remember, to bring forward a tribute to an indi- of Chicago. But while Nat did not have those were days when it was very dif- vidual who will go down in the annals the means to dream, he certainly had ficult for talented men and women of of America as not just a grand enter- the capacity to do so, and, ultimately, African American descent to record tainer but a decent and loving Amer- live out those dreams. and even to present their music and ican. Perlina Coles, Nat’s mother, directed their talents before audiences. I want to extend my thanks to my the choir at the True Light Baptist In 1943, Capitol Records, then a fledg- colleagues from California, the 54 Church, and she is the one that intro- ling company, signed the King Cole Members of the California delegation, duced the Coles children to music early Trio. The Trio’s recording on that label which includes our two Senators, for on. Nat’s musical talents exhibited of Straighten Up and Fly Right became their support of the Cole family in this themselves at a very, very young age. a smash hit in 1944, and it appealed to effort to give Nat ‘‘King’’ Cole the rec- His first public performance was at the not just black audiences but white au- ognition in this small way that he so age of 4 in Chicago’s Regal Theater. As diences as well. Nat ‘‘King’’ Cole com- deserves from this country. I would a youngster, Nat would sing and play posed this song and based the lyrics on also like to thank the many other the organ at his father’s church. His one of his father’s sermons. The record- Members who signed onto this legisla- mother wanted Nat to become a clas- ing also brought jazz and popular tion as original cosponsors, many from sical pianist, but Nat’s passion was music together. The other works of the Congressional Black Caucus and jazz. this Trio included For Sentimental other colleagues who recognized that it Chicago was just the place to be for Reasons and The Christmas Song, was fitting to pay tribute to this indi- Nat ‘‘King’’ Cole to satisfy those tastes which emphasized Nat ‘‘King’’ Cole as a vidual. for jazz music. The city, at the time, vocalist for the first time. Before that, Mr. Speaker, Nat ‘‘King’’ Cole is but hosted jazz talents like Louis Arm- Nat ‘‘King’’ Cole would sing only on oc- a legend in America, but in our hearts strong, Fats Waller, Earl Hines. And casion to add some flavor to the instru- he is someone who was able to touch we should all recognize that not long mental trio. us. H.R. 4797 is but a small token of ap- ago, this past week, we lost Mr. Lionel In fact, if you look back at history, preciation that will forever give mem- Hampton, another great of American Nat would say that he never thought of ory to his work and his love of this entertainment and art and a great jazz himself much as a vocalist. And while country. On South Western Avenue in artist in his own right. we find that very hard to believe, that Los Angeles, California, at the site of Nat and his brother Eddie would go is what he thought. And not just then, 265 South Western Avenue, those who off as often as they could to hear jazz but he held that view of his singing happen to cross that busy street will musicians play and to perform in Chi- abilities even after he had become one have an opportunity to see the name of cago’s South Side, which was the Afri- of this country’s most recognized sing- Nat ‘‘King’’ Cole, and, hopefully, they can American community’s center for ers. In fact, one of the world’s most will appreciate what it takes to have jazz action in the 1930s. Even when Nat recognized singers. All of us would one’s name on the marquis of a post of- could not afford the price of admission, have to disagree at least on that point

VerDate Sep 04 2002 02:27 Sep 10, 2002 Jkt 099061 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K09SE7.024 H09PT1 September 9, 2002 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6099 in his assessment of his vocal abilities. impression on music lovers of all ages greats Lester Young and Charlie Most would say his voice was ‘‘Unfor- and races. The Oakwood post office at Parker. gettable.’’ 265 South Western Avenue in Los Ange- In 1956, Cole debuted his own tele- Nat ‘‘King’’ Cole indeed was a man les is Nat’s post office. He lived within vision show, which quickly became a with talents that could not be con- a few miles from the station and he is major hit. Despite its success, many tained by any particular genre. He the pride of the community. I believe major advertisers refused to have com- slowly moved away from jazz and to- that this bill provides a fitting tribute mercials aired on it for fear that they wards popular music. In 1955, the King to a man whose legacy is simply unfor- would alienate the white population Cole Trio disbanded, but Nat ‘‘King’’ gettable. and, in particular, their Southern cus- Cole continued to find success with To the many residents and friends tomers. songs like Too Young, Answer Me My and neighbors who made this possible Nat King Cole first recorded with Love, Mona Lisa and, of course, Unfor- today, and who will, when we have a Decca Records, and later with Capitol gettable. Mr. Cole sold more than 50 chance to see President Bush sign this Records. Sales of his albums brought million records. He contributed so legislation into law, be present to com- Capitol unprecedented commercial suc- much to the success of Capitol Records memorate this post office after Nat cess, and some have even labeled Cap- itol Records’ famous circular building that its headquarters became known as ‘‘King’’ Cole, I say, ‘‘Thank you so in Hollywood as ‘‘The House that Nat the ‘‘House That Nat Built.’’ His popu- much for recognizing an American larity would make him the first Afri- Built.’’ hero,’’ and, ‘‘Thank you so much for But Nat King Cole’s contribution to can American to have his own radio helping us in the people’s House recog- American art was matched by his con- show and he would later also host his nize the accomplishments of great tribution to American society. Cole own TV shows. Americans.’’ was a quiet, but consistent, force for However, Nat ‘‘King’’ Cole did not al- b 1500 integration. During an age when many ways have an easy road. He was not im- black artists were resigned to the re- mune to the intolerance of the mid Mr. Speaker, with great honor and deference, we recognize a man who will ality of racial segregation, Cole refused 20th Century. Indeed, as we look at his to play in segregated clubs. In 1949 impressive songbook, we cannot forget live far beyond our lifetime. Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I when Cole moved with his family to the struggles he had to overcome as an the exclusive Hancock Park neighbor- yield myself such time as I may con- African American performer during hood in Los Angeles, an area rep- sume. that period in our Nation’s history. In resented now by the gentleman from Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman October 1956, Nat ‘‘King’’ Cole was California (Mr. BECERRA) and myself, from California (Mr. BECERRA) for his given his own television show by NBC. Cole faced hostility from his new introduction and certainly for the This show received good ratings but neighbors. Yet Cole stood his ground, failed to receive sponsorship and it was statement the gentleman has just and successfully integrated the neigh- taken off the air after only one year. shared with us. borhood, which remains one of Los An- Most believed that the primary lack of Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she geles’ most prestigious addresses. So I interest by advertisers was due to Nat may consume to the gentlewoman from am proud to join the gentleman from California (Ms. WATSON). ‘‘King’’ Cole’s race. California (Mr. BECERRA) and the rest But being taken off the air was not Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. of my colleagues to rename a post of- the only injustice Nat ‘‘King’’ Cole Speaker, I thank the gentleman for fice in the Hancock neighborhood after faced for being a successful black artist yielding me this time. And I thank the Nat King Cole. He is lovingly remem- at the time. Nat faced physical intimi- gentleman from California (Mr. BECER- bered as a great musical talent, but dation and violence. In 1956, Nat re- RA) for introducing this legislation. also as a great American. turned to his native Alabama where his I was just up in New York at the fu- Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I integrated group performed in front of neral for Lionel Hampton; and all of yield myself such time as I may con- a segregated audience in Birmingham. the way through, the talented per- sume. As a reaction, four members of the formers would recall when they were Mr. Speaker, I would close by saying White Citizens Council attacked him all together, and Nat King Cole was that the life of Nat King Cole is an- on stage. But so determined was Nat part of that group. He was a man whose other example of all that it has taken ‘‘King’’ Cole, that even though he was artistic talent was matched only by his to make America the great Nation that hurt, he returned to the stage and fin- efforts to break down the barriers that it is. I join with my colleagues in urg- ished his show. divided America from itself. ing swift passage of this bill. In Los Angeles, where we will honor Nat King Cole had a gift of enormous Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance him with a post office that carries his musical talent. He did not like his of my time. name, Nat was not immune to preju- singing voice; he thought it was not Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. dice. When Nat and his family wanted good enough so he thought he should Speaker, I urge adoption of this meas- to move into the exclusive Hancock play, but they talked him into singing ure, and I yield back the balance of my Park section of Los Angeles, residents while he was playing. He was known time. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. DAN of the all-white community formed an most for his singular voice, bringing MILLER of Florida). The question is on association to keep him and his family alive such tunes as ‘‘Mona Lisa,’’ the motion offered by the gentlewoman out. But despite the threats, Nat ‘‘Rambling Rose,’’ ‘‘The Christmas from Virginia (Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS) that ‘‘King’’ Cole purchased and moved into Song,’’ and ‘‘Unforgettable.’’ His the House suspend the rules and pass his English Tudor mansion in Hancock daughter, Natalie Cole, would say that for many a year she mourned her fa- the bill, H.R. 4797. Park. The question was taken; and (two- ther’s death and did not have the cour- Nat ‘‘King’’ Cole exemplifies the thirds having voted in favor thereof) age to record with him until much American dream. He endured the rac- the rules were suspended and the bill later after his death; and the song ‘‘Un- ism of the time and overcame the pov- was passed. erty to which he was born and worked forgettable’’ truly will live forever. He A motion to reconsider was laid on to be one of the most beloved American was truly unforgettable. the table. entertainers of our time. Thirty-seven But many experts considered his f years after his untimely death from work as a pianist as his most signifi- lung cancer on February 15, 1965, his cant contribution to American music. RECESS legacy lives on. Modern popular music He was recognized among jazz musi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- entertainers like Celine Dion continue cians as one of the most formidable and ant to clause 12 of rule I, the Chair de- to record songs made famous by Nat technically proficient pianists of his clares the House in recess until ap- ‘‘King’’ Cole. day. His trio format influenced jazz pi- proximately 6:30 p.m. today. With determination, courage, and re- anist greats Ahmad Jamal and Art Accordingly (at 3 o’clock and 5 min- silience, Nat ‘‘King’’ Cole overcame Tatum. In the 1940s, he played piano on utes p.m.), the House stood in recess tremendous obstacles to leave a lasting recordings with jazz seminal jazz until approximately 6:30 p.m.

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